WANDOOR MARINE NATIONAL PARK

Wandoor Marine National Park REAPED 1983 to preserve the tropical ecosystems of uninhabited islands in the Andamans, the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park at Wandoor stretches over 280 sq km (108 sq miles). It encompasses myriad bays, coral reefs, lagoons, rainforests and mangrove creeks, which teem with marine life. Ferries from Wandoor village skirt lagoons with kaleidoscopic sea beds, and are often chased by schools of playful dolphins. Most of the islands are protected and are therefore inaccessible; however, their coasts reveal a fascinating transition from towering tropical canopies to stilted mangroves that overhang the shores. The only two islands that allow visits are the popular Jolly Buoy Island, which is ideal for snorkelling, and Redskin Island, with a well-marked nature trail.

Types of Coral

Corals are of two broad types– either hard or soft. The colourful soft coral has no outer skeleton.

Angelfish

The angelfish is one of the reefs most vividly colouredftsh. Its bright hues help to camouflage it as well as to advertise its territory.

Giant Robber Crab

One of the largest and rarest crabs in the world, its powerful claws help it to climb trees such as the coconut palm, and break the hard shell of its fruit.

Lion or Scorpion Fish

Measuring up to 40 cm (16 in), this ornate fish has deadly venom in its rays, which can be fatal for humans.

Garjan trees make up the emergent layer, which towers above the canopy at 60 m (197 ft). Padaak, or Andaman redwood, grows up to 36 m (118 ft)

Green Tree Snake

One of the 40-odd species found here, this harmless snake has no fangs and eats reptiles and frogs.

CROUPER FISH

Among The most commonly found species ,groupers can chang their colour to match the rocks and surrounding reefs.

The second layer, known as the canopy, with trees such as the padauk, absorbs most of the sunlight.

TROPICAL RAINFOREST

The multi-layered tropical rainforests include giant trees such as the gurjan and padauk, a rich undergrowth of epiphytes and climbers, and over 120 species of ferns.